Over the last year, we have been working to streamline the processes for applying for initial approval or renewal as an independent school, while still meeting our public assurance responsibilities as laid out in statute and regulation.

I am writing to let you know that we have finalized the new application process for independent schools seeking initial approval or renewal from the State Board of Education, as well as for independent schools seeking special education endorsement(s) from the Board. This process will replace the existing AOE application processes. If your school has already applied for approval or renewal, and if your application is in the process of being reviewed, you do not have to reapply, and your application submission will continue to be reviewed under the same rules (which have not changed).